Countries Lie in their Economic Reports

[Guest Schwab711]

http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2013/09/global-trade-imbalances

 

Basically, the global net trade balance has been positive for over a decade even though it is a zero-sum game by definition. There are similar problems with the aggregate global balance sheet as liabilities exceed assets (the world has negative equity?). Something to keep in mind when viewing emerging market economic reports. I'm definitely of the camp that doesn't believe a word China says with regards to their economic condition.

[Jurgis]

There is a simple explanation for this: aliens are eating our fish.